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FAQ

1. Work experience is a requirement when applying for the MEB. What is considered applicable experience?

The applicant should have at least three years of cumulative full-time work experience in a private, public or non-public sector setting, either through employment, through documented volunteer efforts, or through co-operative work terms as an undergraduate student. This is cumulative, so you can count the months spent in summer jobs or work terms towards your three years.

2. What references can be used if I have been out of school for an extended period of time?

Referees who are not academic can be used as a reference if an extended period away from school prevents you from having an academic reference available to you. At least one professional reference is recommended. For professional references, it should be someone who supervised you and is not related to you.

3. The core courses are offered in a specific term. Is it possible to take the courses in other terms?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. Each course will only be offered once per year.

4. Is it possible to take electives out of sequence?

While the foundation, core, and capstone courses will be offered in sequence, it is possible to take electives out of sequence. Students are also able to take electives from other departments; however, only some of these courses are offered through distance education.

5. How long does it take to complete the degree?

As a part-time student, it generally takes 3 years. We also offer a full-time option (4 courses or more per year) and an accelerated full-time option in which the program can be completed over the course of 1 year.

6. Can I fast track the degree?

While one course per semester is a realistic pace for someone who works full-time, if you believe you can manage 20-30 hours/week at coursework, it is possible to fast track the degree.

7. Would previous courses taken during my MBA or MES program count as electives?

Up to two electives can be transferred but transfer credits must be "unused" credits (i.e. they must not have been credited towards an earlier acquired degree).

8. What kind of project in ENBUS 690A/B would students potentially work on?

This is a consulting project which can be done in a team or as an individual. You can propose a topic for pre-approval, or we can help arrange a client with a project.

9. I have an MBA; will the MEB cover similar subjects that would be covered in a normal MBA program, or will the MEB enhance my knowledge with a heavy emphasis on the environment?

The MEB will enhance your knowledge.

10. What would be the time commitment of each course on a weekly basis?

The MEB is designed for a working professional. On average, it should take about 10-12 hours per week, depending on assignments and your pace.

11. How much time will I have to spend in Waterloo in order to complete the MEB program?

The MEB has been designed for a working professional. The initial residency period is two weeks in August and includes the first course (ENBUS 601). All of the subsequent courses are through Extended Learning (i.e. online). There will also be a shorter residency period at the end of your capstone course. In addition, there is a requirement that you attend two sustainability conferences. You can choose one conference from a list (events in Toronto, Vancouver and/or Waterloo) or propose alternative conferences for pre-approval.

12. Do international students need a study permit?

Yes, international students require a study permit.

13. I have a 3 year degree. Can I qualify?

The school may consider applications from applicants who do not have a 4-year or an honours degree. In this situation, in additional to the normal admission requirements, a GMAT score of 550 or above is required, and at least 8 years of work experience.

14. My grades from years ago were not so great, but I know that I will do well in this program. Can I qualify?

If the rest of your application is strong (i.e. years of relevant work experience, excellent references, and a strong statement), then the program will seriously consider your application. If you are accepted, then initially you will be on probation. This means you will be required to obtain at least 75% in the first 2 courses in order to stay in the program.

15. Can I apply for a PhD with an MEB degree?

The MEB is a course-based master's program and is similar in design to an MBA. PhD programs in management or business may recognize this degree. Programs in other disciplines may require a research master's degree. Check with the university to confirm their admission requirements. That said, a number of MEB graduates have entered PhD programs.

16. Will the MEB prepare me for a career as a sustainability professional?

About half of our students are already working as an environment or sustainability professional. Others work in a related business or professional field. A minority of students are intending to make a career shift. Throughout the program you will have numerous opportunities to network with sustainability professionals (including corporate social responsibility experts) so if a career shift is your goal, you can transfer into a new position long before the program ends.

17. I am already a sustainability professional. What will the MEB offer me?

The MEB provides current knowledge, tools and skills in a broad range of business and sustainability topics. The program will update your knowledge, expand your understanding, provide you with new skills, increase your network, enable you time to reflect with peers, and give you expert feedback on your ideas. For some, the increased credibility of a master's degree is also important.

18. I have not been in school for years. What should I expect?

For most working professionals, there are learning curves related to time management (balancing work, family and school), the online technology, and the academic assignments. We are aware of this and provide assistance with the transition. In addition, your classmates are in the same situation, so there is considerable peer support.

19. When do classes take place?

While the MEB courses are interactive, there are no live sessions each week. We have purposely designed it to allow students with different work schedules, and in different time zones to equally engage. Instead the lectures have pre-recorded audio that advances with the slides (webinar format) that you can play when you have time. Lecture content is mixed with other types of content (video, readings, activities, assignments, etc.). The courses are paced so you need to complete 7-10 hours of work each week (including assignments), but when you choose to do the work will depend on your personal circumstances. Some students are allowed to do this on work time, while others do their school work during their personal time. Each course runs 12 weeks and then there is a month break before your next course starts.

20. Aside from the tuition fee, are there any other costs?

Students are expected to cover the cost of room and board, conference fees, and other costs associated with the initial 2-week course in August (ENBUS 601), two professional conferences (milestones), and final three-day residency period (capstone).

SEED would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishnaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land promised to Six Nations, which includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.